The Cleaning Brigade

I just realized that I never posted this! Oh well...Enjoy now! (Wednesday)

This is the first official day of my March break and to start it I decided "SPRING CLEANING!" one of my favourite hobbies. We are putting our house on the market after Easter and I decided what better way to spend my week off then by really cleaning things up.
I really wanted to use my new hand held steamer. After witnessing the power used on the baseboards I decided to try it out in the bathtub, attack the soap scum caused by hard water! I noticed that there was steam coming from the top cap and when I went to tighten it the cap came loose and 135 degrees of hot steam blasted on hand. I yelped in pain and rushed to get cold water. Luckily now, hours later I have no blisters but my hand is still tender. I guess I just wasn't ready for the big leagues.

I have often been asked how I go about cleaning (since I do have a pretty specific routine) and since a blog seems like the correct place to share this type nonsense - here you have it.

Step One: My normal "weekend clean" which was deferred this week due to weekend plans.

1. Sort laundry downstairs, and pre-treat/soak any necessary items - I use the timer on my phone to warn me when to switch since I want to get laundry done and out of the way!
2. Gather any stray glasses/mugs/traveling water bottles - Dave always notes how I am like the young girl in the terrible M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong movie, "Signs". I constantly leave half full glasses of water everywhere!
3. Wash dishes (if any) if enough, load dishwashers

Step Two: Upstairs

1. Fluff pillows, make bed (change sheets every other week)
2. Using homemade vinegar/water cleaner - wipe down all surfaces, including fan.
3. Scrub toilets, sinks and tubs
4. Once a month - wash the shower curtains
5. Vacuum floor and stairs (don't forget under the bed and dressers!)
6. Wash the floor and stairs

Step Three: Downstairs

1. Using same homemade cleaner - wipe down all surfaces
2. Dust the media center and swiffer underneath
3. Scrub toilet and sink
4. Wipe down front hall mirror
5. Wash boot tray
6. Vacuum floor
7. Wash floor

Finally....
Light a few candles
Admire clean, disinfected, organized home